Did you know Chicago’s official motto Urbs in Horto means “City in a Garden”? This city lives up to its motto—especially in the spring—with millions of tulips popping up along the Magnificent Mile, cherry blossoms flowering in Jackson Park, and a plethora of flora and fauna cropping throughout the city. The cold winter weather is melting away, and after months of being cooped up indoors, it's finally time to shed your winter coat and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine again.

We rounded up everything you need to check off your Chicago bucket list this spring, from flower shows to patio dining to lakefront walks and more!

 

The Best Things to Do in Chicago This Spring

See the Tulips on Michigan Avenue

Every spring, Michigan Avenue shows out with a rainbow of tulips. Planted in the late fall, these spring flowers typically debut in early April and complete their bloom by late May. Tens of thousands of tulips stretch from Oak Street to Roosevelt Road, and you can see vibrant shades of pink, pretty pastels, and happy yellow tulips as you shop along the Magnificent Mile or enjoy lunch on an outdoor patio.

Where: Michigan Avenue between Oak Street and Roosevelt Road.

 

See Garfield Park's 2024 Spring Flower Show

What better way to welcome spring than with thousands of plant species from around the world? The Garfield Park Conservatory boasts eight indoor display gardens and over 10 acres of outdoor gardens, including play spaces, a water lily pond, and much more. Don't miss this year’s spring flower show, titled 'What’s in a Name?', which explains the history and science of botanical nomenclature alongside a beautiful flower show full of blooms. Entry is free, but reservations are required!

Where: 300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL
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Welcome Back Art on theMART

The largest permanent digital art projection in the world is right in the heart of Chicago, and new installations will make their debut on theMART’s 2.5-acre river façade in April. The mesmerizing art is best viewed from the RIverwalk, which also happens to be the best spot for an after-dinner stroll on a warm spring evening.

Where: 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL
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Take a Wellness Class on The Water

It's time to give the treadmill a break and take your fitness outside again. You can take group classes at Offshore Rooftop all spring long, from stretching and yoga to interval training and HIIT; you'll get a sweat in while taking in stunning views of Chicago and Lake Michigan. The best part? Every class ends with brunch!

Where: Offshore Rooftop: 1000 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL
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Catch a Baseball Game

Spring signals the start of many things: longer days, warmer weather, and new beginnings. But for sports fans, it means just one thing: the start of baseball season. Get out and support the Cubbies or the White Sox—or both! Baseball is back on March 28, and we couldn’t be more excited to enjoy America’s favorite pastime once again—preferably with loaded fries and Wrigley Dogs in hand.

More information on the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox.

 

Experience the Great Beer Hunt

Easter Egg Hunts are for kids...The Great Beer Hunt is for grown-ups. Here's how it works: Teams of two will taste mystery beers and receive clues before racing to identify them using taste, sight, and smell. There will be several rounds with multiple mystery beers to identify, and prizes for the top teams! Win or lose, you'll get to try 40 different beers and snack on Lillie's BBQ while you do it.

Where: District Brew Yards; 417 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL
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Take a Daytrip to Tulip Fest

Did you know you can see hundreds of thousands tulips in bloom just an hour outside Chicago? Take a daytrip to Kuipers Family Farm or Richardson's Farm—both spots put on a spring tulip festival with a rainbow of colorful flowers to explore. The Midwest Tulip Fest at Kuipers Farm opens April 27, while Richardson's opening date is dependent on weather and the bloom times. Check their Facebook page for details!

P.S. Find more of our favorite daytrips from Chicago here!

Where: Kuipers: 1N318 Watson Road, Maple Park, IL | Richardson: 909 English Prairie Rd, Spring Grove, IL
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Shop the Chicago Artisan Market

The Chicago Artisan Market celebrates the ingenuity of independent, small businesses that channel their passions into creating one-of-a-kind products. Swing by in March and April for the spring markets and shop everything from handmade soaps and home decor to apparel and jewelry from some of the city’s most talented artists and makers.

Where:
Fulton Market: 401 N. Morgan St., Chicago, IL
Ravenswood: 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL
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Dine al Fresco

Few things feel better after a cold winter than enjoying dinner on a sunny patio overlooking the river—or maybe brunch in a cobblestone courtyard or pizza at a picnic table. Either way, when the weather warms up, you eat outside, and Chicago has lots of restaurants that offer al fresco dining with scenic views, fun atmospheres, and great vibes. For all of the above and more, check out our guide to Chicago’s best outdoor patios.

Where: Various locations
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Go to a Sober Morning Dance Party

Embrace fresh starts and new beginnings with Daybreaker, the invigorating morning dance party coming to Chicago on May 11. Kick things off with a morning yoga session at 10 am and follow it up with a dance party. The experience includes a DJ, live musician, free coffee, kombucha, and breakfast treats, along with a host of surprise performances.

Where: Location TBD
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Kick Off Boating Season on a Party Boat Cruise

Lake days are right around the corner! Kick off the return of boating season on a party cruise on Lake Michigan. For three hours, you and 13 of your crew can set sail, play beer pong and flip cup, and dance the day away in and out of the water. Reservations start May 1, 2024, and go all summer long.

Where: 400 East Monroe Street, Chicago, IL
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Take a BYOB Spray Paint Workshop

After a long, gray winter, it’s time to add some color back into your life. Grab your favorite drink and get your creative juices flowing at this spray paint workshop in Uptown. This interactive class allows you the opportunity to create your very own original work of art to take home. Plus, you can bring your a beverage to sip while doing it!

Where: Spray Paint N Sip: 1047 W. Lawrence Ave. Chicago IL
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Stroll Through the Cherry Blossoms

See the cherry blossom trees bloom in this authentic Japanese Garden in Jackson Park, also referred to as the Garden of the Phoenix or the Osaka Garden. The trees start to flower in late April to early May, and visitors can enjoy the dreamy scenery from the garden’s traditional pavilion, moon bridge, Shinto gate, and traditional Japanese horticulture.

Where: 6401 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago, IL
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Attend a Rum Festival

Round up the crew and prepare for an evening of taste-testing and rum sampling at the 8th Chicago Rum Festival (aka the Midwest Rum Fest), returning to Chi-Town on April 22! This boutique-style event will showcase a handful of brands that emphasize the education and premiumization of the rum category.

Where: Logan Square Auditorium: 2539 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL
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Explore the Galleries at EXPO Chicago 

EXPO Chicago is one of the city's biggest art events and will run from April 11 to April 14 this year. The exposition draws on the city’s rich history as a vibrant international cultural destination, featuring 170 leading international exhibitors at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall. Explore numerous contemporary art galleries, and participate in various programs and events throughout the week!

Where: 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL
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Take a Walk Along the Lakefront

Now that Lake Michigan is starting to thaw, it's time for lakeside strolls again. When the sun comes out during spring in Chicago, it’s imperative to spend as much time outside as possible, and the lakefront is the perfect place for a casual stroll, bike ride, or little picnic in the park.

Where: Running from Ardmore Ave. on the north to 71st St. on the south.
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Go on a Chicago Architecture Cruise

Taking an architecture cruise is a Chicago must-do, and there's no better time to do it than in the Spring. You'll enjoy taking in the iconic skyline and learning a little more about the city any time of day, but an evening cruise down the river is perfect for date night. Grab dinner first, then spend the evening watching the city light up.

Where: 401 N. Michigan Avenue, 60611, Chicago
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Go to Chicago Pickle Fest

Festival season is upon us and one of the most unique events this year is Chicago Pickle Fest. Celebrate everyone's favorite tangy snack at a street fest-style party at the best bars in Wrigleyville! Party all day with pickle beer, pickle cocktails, special pickle-focused food items, live music, pickle photo-ops, giveaways, and more! Tickets also include a complimentary pickle-back whiskey shot!

Where: 3506 North Clark Street Chicago, IL
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